Brain pathways that support arm recovery after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial will enroll about 50 participants 3 to 6 months after a first unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who have moderate-to-severe upper‑extremity motor impairment (UE‑FMA ≤ 44). Participants will be randomized to receive 30 hours of a protocolized Arm Basis Training delivered over six weeks or to continue usual care. Researchers will measure kinematic motor performance, structural and functional neuroimaging, and neurophysiology (including TMS) before and after the intervention to link behavioral changes to corticospinal anatomy and physiology. The goal is to determine whether intensive, targeted training improves proximal shoulder and elbow control and whether those gains correspond to measurable changes in brain pathways.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* first time unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke occurring within the 3-6 months
* upper extremity motor impairment as measured by the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) Score \<= 44
* ability to participate in a 6-week intensive upper extremity intervention in English as determined by a licensed occupational therapist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* bilateral stroke
* unstable medical status affecting functional status
* pre-stroke upper extremity injury or conditions that limited use
* visual or auditory impairment limiting ability to participate in study procedures
* significant aphasia (NIHSS sub-item 9 \> 1) or cognitive (NIHSS 1a or 1b or

  1c \> 1) deficits
* known or expected inability to maintain follow-up through the study intervention and post- assessment
* contraindications to MRI
* contraindications to TMS
* known history of uncontrolled seizure disorder.

Where it's running

• Laboratory for Translational Neurorecovery, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David J Lin, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Caroline Lambert, BA
• Email: celambert@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-726-1311

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.